You are looking at one of the most historic regions in America. What is now the modern day Village of Ticonderoga, New York was the scene of countless military engagements, skirmishes, and battles. From the earliest days of human habitation the Ticonderoga peninsula and its environs was witness to humanity at its best... and its worst. Long a home to native people, the region between the lakes was to play a pivotal role in most of the conflicts that took place in North  America after the arrival of Europeans. The reason should be obvious- at the top of the photo is Lake Champlain, stretching north/south like an arrow from the great St. Lawrence and Richelieu rivers. Just beyond the bulk of what is now known as Mount Defiance lies Lake George, its beautiful waters extending further still through the mountains towards the mighty Hudson river. In between, the tiny LaChute River drops precipitously over a series of cascades till it empties into Lake Champlain. It is not navigable, even to the smallest of vessels. For this reason a portage, or carry, was necessary in order to continue navigating through the wilderness along the lakes. For this reason also, the region was fortified and fought over incessantly, as long as the lakes were vital to transportation through the region. |
